Acceptance Speech

Wow, I can’t believe this. Thank you so much! I feel like the luckiest person alive!

First, I’d like to thank the Sun, for everything you’ve done to make this possible. Every single day you’re there, giving it your all. And of course the Soil and the Rain–what a team–you were an integral part of the creative process. Your caring and patience made this happen.

Who could forget the Pollinators–bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, I hope I’m not forgetting anyone–thank you for all of your hard work and attention to detail. And the farmers, this wouldn’t be possible without your and dedication day in and day out.

Last but certainly not least, my eternal thanks to Nature. I’m in constant awe of all that you produce. You’re an inspiration to me every day, and I love you!! I’m going to treasure this!

****

I don’t watch awards shows, but I am rooting for some of my favorite shows and actors in tonight’s Emmys, even though they are up against each other in the some of the same categories: Veep, Silicon Valley, The Last Man On Earth, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Saturday Night Live, Brooklyn 99, Key & Peele, Sherlock, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, Conan, Last Week Tonight, Drunk History, Portlandia, Epic Rap Battles of History, Honest Trailers, and all the other fun stuff on TV and online. Good luck!!

The 9/11 Memorial and One World Trade Center

I visited the 9/11 Memorial recently. Here is One World Trade Center.

Visiting is a moving experience, to say the least. I stayed away for many years, but now enjoy going there. I do find peace and beauty among the sadness. I come away hopeful and uplifted.

This description of the memorial is taken from the website 911memorial.org.

The 9/11 Memorial is located at the site of the former World Trade Center complex and occupies approximately half of the 16-acre site. The Memorial features two enormous waterfalls and reflecting pools, each about an acre in size, set within the footprints of the original Twin Towers. The Memorial plaza is one of the most eco-friendly plazas ever constructed. More than 400 trees surround the reflecting pools. Its design conveys a spirit of hope and renewal, and creates a contemplative space separate from the usual sights and sounds of a bustling metropolis.

This is the North Pool.

And at night. In this shot you can see the illuminated names of those lost. They line the perimeter of the North and South reflecting pools.

The tower at night.

I wanted to share my photos, but it’s hard to find the right words to say. Instead, I’ll share this quote from President Obama, who said this today,“We stay true to the spirit of this day by defending not only our country, but also our ideals.”

End of Summer

Summer is almost over. We enjoyed your wildflowers and long days, but now it’s time to think about what’s next.

In Memoriam

It’s been a year since you left us. I hope you have found peace.

Purple, Packing, Patching, and Picking

Still working on moving.

Packing and patching and painting.

These cherries aren’t quite ready yet

But trying also to enjoy things and not get too bogged down.

We have picked asparagus and strawberries so far this season.

I tried to make strawberry jam without added pectin, but due to a number of errors ended up with 4 pints of strawberry sauce. Tastes great, but a little too runny for sandwiches. So far I have added it to yogurt. Maybe pancake topping will be the next experiment.

Hope everything is going well for you.

Lily of the Valley 2

Some more photos of the pretty little bunch of lilies that I bought at the farm.

This was where we picked our own asparagus.

Lily of the Valley

I found this small bouquet at a farm that I visited to pick asparagus the other day. Sounds dumb, but I didn’t know they had such a lovely scent. I had never seen them in person before. I also got some lilac blossoms in a small bouquet. They are one of my favorites.

I miss you! I haven’t been blogging much recently because I have been busy packing up. It’s time to move, and the hope is that it happens before school starts in September. We have a lot of work ahead of us. I may not be here as frequently, but I think of you often.

This song has been in my head since I got the bouquet. I know it’s a traditional song, but the Laurie Berkner version is what’s playing in my head.

White coral bells upon a silver stalk
Lillies of the valley deck my garden walk
Oh don’t you wish that you could hear them ring?
That will only happen when the fairies sing